Twelve Questions a Church Planter Must Ask About His Vision! By Tom Cheyney

You Said You said, Ask and you will receive Whatever you need. You said, Pray and I’ll hear from heaven, And I’ll heal your land.

You said Your glory will fill the earth Like water the sea. You said, Lift up your eyes The harvest is here, The kingdom is near.

You said, Ask and I’ll give the nations to you. Lord, that’s the cry of my heart. Distant shores and the islands will see Your light as it rises on us.

You said, Ask and you will receive Whatever you need. You said, Pray and I’ll hear from heaven, And I’ll heal your land. O Lord, I ask for the nations.

What Is a Vision 1.A vision is a clear, challenging, and inspiring image of the future as the leader sees it. 2. A vision is challenging. 3. A vision is simple. 4. A vision is written down.

What is Vision? Definition of vision: "Vision for ministry is a clear mental image of a preferable future imparted by God to His chosen servants and is based on an accurate understanding of God, self and circumstances." (George Barna, The Power of Vision, 1992, 28). "Vision entails a great depth of understanding, a detailed knowledge of facts and potential." (George Barna, The Power of Vision, 1992, 30).[1][1] Vision is: A God given dream (push or burden) that allows one to see the future potential before others see, and sees more than others see and sees with clarity. ( Waylon Moore Missions Unlimited) [1] M. Rodney Webb, Bridges To The Community: an unpublished manuscript, August, 1996, 10. [1]

"...true vision is imparted by God to His chosen people to better enable them to know His mind and to do His will." (George Barna, The Power of Vision, 1992,12). *"Our vision shapes us. *Our vision controls. *Our vision determines who and what we become. *...vision shapes our leadership." (Glen Martin & Gary McIntosh, TheIssachar Factor, 1993, 57-58)

Why Is a Vision Important? 1.A vision creates unity. 2.A vision provides motivation. 3.A vision provides a tangible way of evaluating the goals.

How Is a Vision Developed? 1.By studying the Scriptures, prayer, and meditation 2.By studying the demographic, cultural, economic, and lifestyle of the people 3.By listening to the people

Ways to Communicate a Vision. 1. Write the vision down and distribute it. 2. Write it in church bulletins, put it in mail outs. 3. Develop brochures. 4. Talk about it. 5. Preach sermons about it. 6. Place it on church stationery.

Communicating vision requires you answer twelve key questions Who are we? Why do we exist as a church? What is Our Identity? Where Is God Taking Me? Why are we going there? Does it really matter?

Communicating vision requires you answer seven key questions Will I be part of a significant ministry for God? What can they do? How can I own a part of your particular ministry. How are you going to get this done? What’s the specific strategy? What is the reward for achieving the goal?

Some Simple Priorities of a God Given Vision To Experience God’s presence. (Worship: Matt. 4:10, Jn. 4:23-24) To Express God’s love. (Ministry: John 13:35, 1 Jn. 3:16-17) To Expose God’s Good News. (Evangelism: Eph. 3:10) To Elevate God’s people. (Discipleship: Hebrews 6:1) To Enjoy God’s people. (Fellowship: Acts 1, 2)

How to Build a Vision Team. 1.It begins with the leader. 2.Dream with the members of the team. 3.Confide in them.

How to Expand and Preserve the Vision 1.Expand the team. 2.Encourage and pray for the team. 3.Celebrate the victories. 4.Learn from the failures.

Vision Casting in a New Launch By Dr. Tom Cheyney

The fact is, as the leader of a new work project, your delivery of your vision lies at the heart of the success or failure of the entire project. You may have great vision, but if you have not mastered how to communicate that vision, the project is doomed to failure.

Solomon wrote, “Where there is no vision, people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). And there is no vision if it is not a communicated vision. The Vision must be “caught” by other so they can “Run with it” (Habakkuk 2:3).

Let me offer you six things to keep in mind as you develop your vision description that you will deliver to people, either in a group or in one- on-one conversations.

1.You must write out and practice a succinct summary of your vision and mission. 2.It should be a clear story of what is driving you to do what you are doing. 3.It should include the divine call component of your plan and should communicate the deep passion you feel about what you are doing. 4.It should include testimony to how God is already at work.

5.You should know this vision description so well that you can give it to anyone, at any time, anywhere you have the opportunity and someone asks you about the church. 6. You should know your vision so well that you are able to adjust what you say to fit into whatever time slot you have to share, from 30 seconds to 30 minutes.

Remember: Learning how to communicate your vision is critical in a launch!

Scripture The Great Commandment : “Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul…and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets stand on these two commandments.” Matthew 22: The Great Commission: “Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20.

Now use these five questions to begin to test your vision: 1. Does it glorify God? 2. Does it promote faith rather than fear? 3. Does it motivate people to action? 4. Does it require stepping out on faith/taking risks? 5. Is it right for the time, the place, and the people?

Some Sample Vision Statements Hope Church is a local expression of the Family of God where all persons can find Helpful appreciation of each person’s value and giftedness as part of the family in all its diversity Open access to the Father and the family through the grace of our Brother and Savior Jesus Personal acceptance that looks beyond the past to the future God is creating in the lives of this redeemed family Edifying affirmation that helps each person grow and mature to the fullness of their potential as members and ministers in the family.

Some Sample Vision Statements As the Body of Christ, White Lake Baptist Church is a people committed to living out the simplicity of New Testament Christianity in today’s complex world. We exist to glorify God our Creator and express His will in His world. In this bodily relationship we recognize one head, Jesus Christ. Every member of the body is valuable and has a particular, unique function for the common good of the whole body and all members will have the same care for one another. As a body we will protect and nurture each part. Also, we will be constantly maintaining health and vitality so that growth and reproduction will characterize this body.

Thank You! Tom Cheyney